Giant ichneumon

Megarhyssa macrurus (Ichneumonid wasp)

Description: Reddish brown with yellow and black coloring throughout (another species, M. atrata, is mostly black with a yellow head); has a 2-3 inch ovipositor.

Where/When: Associated with declining or recently dead hardwood trees between May and July.

Significance: Parasitizes horntails that are present in declining trees. It does not injure trees. Is not aggressive to people and ignores people when possible. If mishandled, it may use its ovipositor to protect itself.